Retail Stores Under Siege: The Alarming Rise of Crime and the Urgent Need for State Intervention

The retail industry in Chile is facing a troubling surge in criminal activity, with a recent survey by the National Chamber of Commerce (CNC) revealing that a staggering 59.6% of commercial establishments were victims of some form of crime during the first half of 2024. This alarming statistic has left retail store owners and industry leaders deeply concerned, and they are calling for immediate action from the government to address this growing crisis.

Esteban Halcartegaray, the president of the Retail Brands Association, has expressed his deep concern over the situation, stating that some of our associates have had many incidents of armed robberies, with a lot of violence against their customers, and that has meant that we have had to take many measures to be able to change the course of these events.

The Most Common Crimes Plaguing Retail Stores

According to Halcartegaray, the most prevalent crimes affecting retail stores are shoplifting, petty theft, and material damage to the premises. He explained that the usual ones are basically a theft in the store (…) But without a doubt, the type of crime is ant theft and other material damage to the premises, and normal theft. Those are our three most important antecedents.

Responsibility for Retail Security: The Government’s Role

Halcartegaray firmly believes that the primary responsibility for the security of retail stores lies with the government. He stated, I think the State is the main responsible for the security of our premises. The retail industry leader argues that the lack of effective crime prevention programs by the authorities is a major contributing factor to the rise in retail-related crimes.

The Changing Face of Crime in Chile

Halcartegaray also noted that the nature of crime in Chile has evolved, stating that organized crime is something that we did not see 10, 15 years ago in Chile. He questioned whether this shift in criminal activity is also a cultural issue, suggesting that the problem of insecurity is pervasive across all sectors of society.

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Government Action

The retail industry in Chile is facing a critical situation, with a majority of stores being targeted by criminal elements. Esteban Halcartegaray, the president of the Retail Brands Association, has made it clear that the government must take immediate action to address this crisis and ensure the safety of retail businesses and their customers. The time for decisive intervention is now, as the future of the retail sector and the well-being of the Chilean economy hang in the balance.